6.30.2011

Here is another product from Born Pretty Store...matte nail polish. I got a light purple color. It doesn't have a name, just a number (01). Even though this is a matte formula, there is a lot of multi color shimmer in the polish which I really liked about it. The flash from my camera brings that out and lessens the matte effect a little.

Since I have begun experimenting with sponging lately, I decided to give it another try. I used Maybelline Express Finish in Violet Aluminum (from Dollar Tree) and sponged a gradient from the tips down. Then I added a tiny bit of Color Club Fashion Addict to complete the gradient.

Finally, I wanted to see what the matte looked like shiny, and it really darkened the whole thing up! I still like it though.

The formula on this was really good...almost a one coat polish! Application was very easy, coming from someone who is a messy polisher! haha This retails for $4.36 and there are a lot of unique mattes to choose from. Overall, I recommend this!

6.28.2011

As promised, here is Chroma Coral from Finger Paints. After all the glitters I had been doing lately, this was a MUCH welcome change!! Chroma Coral is a gorgeous orange red with a hint of shimmer to it.

I also mentioned that I will be reviewing some products for Born Pretty Store. They were kind enough to let me pick out a few things to show you guys!

I choose a few stamping plates and the one I'm showing you today is identical to Konad's M66. Born Pretty's version is M66 also. I don't have this exact plate from Konad, but I do own a few other plates of theirs and I really can't tell a difference. The only thing noticable anyway is that there isn't any paper backing on the Born Pretty plate and the Born Pretty plate retails for $2.99. Much cheaper than Koand and works just a well!

And here is how the image transfers. My white stamping polish is a little thick, which is why there is some blotchiness in the design.

We added some rhinestones, also from Born Pretty, but purchased by me. I think I should have chosen a lighter color because the dark ones don't really shine on camera!

Here's the rhinestones, lot's of colors in a convenient little wheel! Just pick them up with tweezers and use a dot of nail glue to apply. Then use a top coat and they should stay put. Mine stayed on for 2 days without one coming off.

A few last things to know about Born Pretty if you have never shopped there before:

- Not only do they have nail art items, but makeup as well.

- They ship free worldwide, and it's $3 for shipment confirmation. I have used both methods and personally I think you can use the free shipping option with confidence. The only downside for me is that since they are based in China it does take about a month to show up. It is worth the wait though!

- Be sure to "like" Born Pretty on Facebook....they are always having free giveaways!

- Finally, they have a program where you get points to put toward a purchase for every review you post on their website.

6.27.2011

I'm excited to show you my recent nail polish/art items. I mentioned in my last post that I will be doing a series of reviews for products from the Born Pretty Store and these are the items I will show you throughout the week.

I also forgot to mention that I hit 100 posts a few posts ago! Woo hoo! haha

Next are the Fingerpaints my sweet husband bought at Sally's for me. This is Add and Abstract, Chroma Coral, Artist's Sapphire, and Coral Compliment. I will show you Chroma Coral tomorrow!

Cherry Culture was having a sale for Memorial Day so I decided to try some of the Milani holos,one of the jewel fx polishes, and another One Coat Glitter. Dustin bought me the gold one at Kmart. <3

And finally, the randoms of the bunch. The first is from Forever 21, the next 2 from Cherry Culture. I found it interesting that the LA Girl and F21 bottles are nearly identical!

6.26.2011

Hi ladies! I have missed you guys in my short absence...I am finally back home with my husband and my whole stash! haha I missed having all of my polishes as options (and my hubby of course)!

I am showing you a mani I wore a few days ago. You can still see Color Club Warhol chillen on my nails...apparently it wanted to stick around longer than I intended. Oops. This is Simmer and Shimmer from OPI's 2010 Holiday Burlesque collection. I discovered these a little late, but I am so in love! I bought this from a blog sale. Here is the link (Polish and Konad), there are still some awesome polishes up for grabs!!

My formula was on the thick side and I am not sure if that's because it was already used or just because it's a glitter.

Hopefully my posts get a little more interesting now that I am home. I am craving a palate cleanser after all this glitter I have been wearing lately!! Don't forget to vote on my poll for which untried polish you want to see! Also this week I will begin a review series for some products from Born Pretty Store. <3

6.21.2011

Hey everyone! Here is a simple mani that kinda goes outside of my comfort zone because of the super chunky glitter. I don't want to look like a 5th grader! haha

This is before the chunky glitter. Kleancolor Holo Yellow is good in 3 coats and has scattered holo pieces that really stand out.

I bought this chunky glitter from Forever 21. I think it's name is Mardi Gras. I have a love hate relationship with these chunky glitters...I can't seem to fully embrace them, but I can't say no either! haha

*Pass it on to 10 bloggers you think really deserve it and send them a message to let them know

I was also given this award by Whitney from Elemental Styles. Since I am short on time lately and I have seen these awards circulating around for a while I'm not going to tag anyone specific but will repost the details for anyone who wants to pass them on!

Here are the Top 10 award rules:

1. Thank the person who tagged you and link to their blog.

2. Put the Top 10 Award logo on your blog.

3. List your top 10 cosmetics.

4. Choose 10 bloggers to tag, link to their blogs, and let them know.

Here are my top 10 cosmetics...in no order other than how they come to mind! ;)

1) Loreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Primer

2) Elf Mineral Booster

4) Elf Studio Eyebrow Kit

5) Dior Diorshow Mascara

6) ELF Studio Tinted Moisturizer

7) Zoya Nail Polish

8) Elf Essentials Eyelid Primer- Just as good as UD and Smashbox!!

9) Bath and Body Works Lip Glosses

10) Loreal Sublime Bronze Instant Action Self Tanner

Obviously, I am an ELF Fan! I really believe that some of their stuff rivals or trumps high end brands. What do you think of my top 10??Thank you both!

And finally...if you have made it through this monstrous post...I have added a new poll to my blog. Let me know which untried polish you would like to see! I will try to make this a weekly thing. Until next time...<3

6.18.2011

Happy Saturday! My day has been full of rain and storms....I was hoping for a pool day. :( I guess this gives me an excuse to blog though. Lately I have been very uninspired and if you like me on Facebook you know that some of my ideas have been huge fails. I guess that's why I don't have a lot to show you recently. haha

I am still in Tennessee trying to get better from mono (it's been almost 6 weeks people!!) so my nail polish stash I brought has been worn out I think. I needed to get some more options and managed to get out and find Color Club's Poptastic collection at Ross.

I used Twiggie for the base of my sponging. Obviously this shot is before clean up. That said I had a hard time with this polish because it's on the thick side. Pretty color though!

This is my first time doing sponging all on my own...I had Dustin do it in the past. haha So I'm not sure how I feel about the end result. Although I did get comments on my nails everywhere I went today...guess that means something?! :P

Looking back, I think I would have chosen a different color combo for this. The polishes I used for sponging (all Color Club) : Poptastic, Pucci-licious, and Chelsea Girl.

Thank you to all my followers for participating and supporting this blog...I am grateful for the feedback I received from you as well and will try my best to incorporate what you want to see!! Also, next giveaway I hope to have multiple winners! ;)

Hello! Just a quick post today...not a whole lot to say about this mani. I really like the way it turned out though! I used Sally Hansen Extreme Wear in White On as my base. Slapped a piece of tape in the middle and used Kleancolor Holo Yellow and Pink to make the stripes. Easy peasy!

Here's a quick how to. I used masking tape because I found it easier to work with...but I will still call it a scotch tape mani. :P

I will be announcing my giveaway winner tomorrow...I apologize for the delay!

6.12.2011

Happy weekend! I don't know about you, but I am always sad when it's over.

I bet you guys already noticed that I am on a huge glitter kick lately. What can I say...I am a total girly girl! I saw this polish swatched a week ago and ordered the polish within minutes of seeing it. This was a must have, and I am not disappointed! This is Spark de Triomphe, part of the OPI Grand Slam France duo. The other part of the duo is white shatter...but I am not a fan of the whole crackle/shatter thing so I only purchased the glitter.

I wore this for 3 days and never got sick of it! I was actually sad to take it off, but the addict in me couldn't go any longer not changing my polish. haha The color is understated, but the glitter makes it stand out. It's very luxurious. This is 3 coats, but this polish is versatile enough that one coat can be layered over another polish for a different look.

I highly highly recommend this for all the glitter lovers out there...this polish is incredible! <3

6.10.2011

Hey hey! Today I have a fun mani for ya...using one of the coveted OMG collection polishes. This is QT. I have had this polish for a few months now and this is my first time using it...I underestimated how amazing it is because the holo-y goodness hides in the bottle! I still haven't decided if this is more red, or like a rose pink. It looks different in different lighting. I'll let you decide! haha

I think most holos can be left well enough alone without nail art, but since I had Color Club Revvvolution around, I decided to do some stamping with that. I used Bundle Monster plate 223. This is my first time doing stamping with a holographic polish. That I remember anyways...

I wish I would have paid attention better during clean up!

Ok so I don't use a top coat with holo polishes because I am paranoid that it will mess with the holo...do you guys use a topcoat with holographics? Do you think certain holos are affected by topcoats while some are not? Would love to hear your thoughts! <3